Adult Education And Faculty Development: Expanding The Reach In The Academy

Found At:Midwest Research-to-Practice Conference in Adult, Continuing, and Community Education

Abstract:

This evaluation study examines how faculty development courses on teaching and learning
(OTLA) contribute to the “learning community” at a Midwestern University that promotes
engagement “in the discovery of knowledge, the integration of learning experiences, and
[faculty’s] applications through civic and professional leadership.” The study has three
objectives: 1) Investigate how participation in the courses promotes collegial relationships
across campus. 2) Understand the impact of the courses on faculty participants in establishing a
collaborative culture around teaching. 3) Recognize the components of OTLA courses that
contribute to the collaborative culture around teaching. Through this study, I seek to find ways
that collaboration around teaching and learning occurs interdepartmentally at the university.